Government of Canada Announces Next Steps in Program to Reduce Particulate Matter, A Primary Component of Smog

OTTAWA - July 17, 2000 - Environment Minister David Anderson and Health Minister Allan Rock took further steps today to give cleaner air to Canadians. The ministers published in Canada Gazette, Part 1, a formal notice that they intend to declare toxic under the new Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) the principal substances that form airborne fine particulate matter (PM<10 ). Fine particulate matter is formed when sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and volatile organic compounds combine in the atmosphere.

The Notice of Intent to declare toxic these precursors to particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns (PM<10) - was published July 15 in the Canada Gazette, Part 1 for a 60 day public comment period. The Notice of Intent on precursors to PM<10 follows on the May 27 declaration in the Canada Gazette proposing that PM<10 be added to the List of Toxic Substances under CEPA. Both Notices are based on the science assessment on particulate matter published on May 27, 2000.

"Fine particulate matter in our air from industrial and transportation sources is responsible for 5000 premature deaths per year, increased hospital visits and doctor visits," said Environment Minister Anderson. "To effectively reduce the levels of particulate matter in the air we breathe, we must reduce the emissions of the chemical substances that pollute our air."

"Health Canada's number one priority is to work with Canadians to maintain and improve their health," said Minister Rock. "The targeting of the principal gases involved in the formation of particulate matter is a significant step towards providing Canadians with cleaner air, less pollution, and a better quality of life."

PM<10 is produced through a variety of human activities and natural sources including the burning of fossil fuels, forest fires and activities such as mining, construction and demolition.

Because of their small size, PM<10 and in particular the smaller size fraction

PM< 2.5, can penetrate deep into human lungs, where they become trapped. Precursors have been linked with chronic respiratory disease and a range of other health ailments, including cardiovascular disease. Scientists now believe that there is no safe level of exposure to PM<10, and even relatively low levels can lead to premature deaths from cardiovascular causes. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases are particularly vulnerable. Outdoor PM<10 concentrations also cause increased absence from work and school.

Late this fall, after reviewing the public submissions received during the 60-day comment period on the Notice of Intent, the ministers will publish their proposed order adding the precursors to the List of Toxic Substances. Under the new CEPA, once a substance is added to List of Toxic Substances, the government must decide on the appropriate control method to protect human health and the environment.

This action on particulate matter is among a number of immediate and long-term measures on clean air initiated by the Government of Canada since May. Those include:

• $1 million to extend daily air quality forecasting across Canada within the next year;
• $1.2 million to upgrade air pollution monitoring through the National Air Pollution Surveillance Network;
• $2.1 million for more acid rain research and monitoring;
• Corporate Smog Action Plan for federal departments in Ontario to reduce air pollution;
• consultation on a program for vehicles and fuels to be in effect by the 2004 model year, particularly for light duty trucks and SUV's, reducing sulphur in diesel by 2006;
• designing management options for industrial sectors to reduce emissions of particulate matter;
• announcing that the primary focus of funding under the new infrastructure program will be for green infrastructure projects which help improve water and air quality;
• reaching an agreement with all provinces and territories on a Canada Wide Standard on Ozone and particulate matter that will speed up the reduction of smog in our cities to 2010 or earlier; and
• moving the negotiations on an Ozone Annex with the United States towards signing an agreement this year.

Related documents:

• Particulate Matter (PM<10) - [fact sheet, 2000-07-17]